A health fair is set to take place this weekend in Tulsa-metro, with a focus on improving the health of women and children. The Eastern Oklahoma Black Nurses Association (EOBNA) is organizing the event, aiming to enhance health literacy and connect individuals with available community resources. In addition, the organization prioritizes education on reducing disparities among people of color and ensuring children are vaccinated.
Linda DeJear, leader of EOBNA, emphasized that students in Tulsa Public Schools are lagging behind on immunizations. To address this issue, EOBNA has partnered with the Tulsa Health Department and BlueCross Blue Shield to provide necessary immunizations through the Oklahoma Caring Van. DeJear noted that lack of education contributes to many health issues and highlighted the importance of awareness to educate and empower individuals to take advantage of available resources in Tulsa.
Speakers and vendors at the health fair will focus on enhancing women’s health, covering topics such as safe sleep demonstrations and maternal child health discussions by OB-GYNS. Lisa Allen mentioned that the national organization is dedicated to improving maternal health and implementing policies to address the high mortality rates among Black women after childbirth, emphasizing the need to address biases and potential racism in healthcare.
Approximately 15 vendors will be present at the free health fair on Saturday, April 20 at Lacy Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Oklahoma Caring Van will also be offering vaccinations for children in need during the event.
